Festive Hanukkah Celebrations Across the Bay
As the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, draws near, the Bay Area is aglow with a diverse array of celebrations and culinary delights. This year, the holiday, observed from December 14th to December 22nd, offers numerous opportunities for community engagement and festive enjoyment.
Indeed, the spirit of Hanukkah can be experienced through a variety of unique events, ranging from hands-on crafting sessions to delectable gastronomic adventures. Consequently, there is something to captivate every attendee.
Here are some highlights of the festive happenings:
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DIY Menorah Session: On Saturday from 2-5 p.m., ARTT in San Rafael invites you to a workshop where you can create your own menorah using upcycled materials and craft supplies. This creative endeavor costs $50.
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Festival of Lights: The Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael will host a vibrant festival on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can browse local artisan wares, enjoy performances by a choir and student rock bands, participate in arts and crafts, and savor sweet and savory treats. This event is free to attend.
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Glow in the Dark Party: On December 13th, from 4:30-6 p.m., the Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall in Palo Alto will illuminate with a special family event. Featuring a flashlight-guided treasure hunt, a teen zone, kid-friendly activity stations, and a light show, this festive gathering is priced at $25.
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Adults Hanukkah Dance Party: For those seeking an evening of revelry, the Chicken Pie Shop in Walnut Creek is hosting an adults-only techno dance party on December 13th at 8:30 p.m. Organized by the Contra Costa JCC, the event includes appetizers and one complimentary drink, with tickets starting at $25.
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Mägo Hanukkah Pop-up: On December 14th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mägo in Oakland will be offering festive donuts from SoDo Donuts, providing a unique twist on traditional sufganiyot with flavors like apple fritter and hibiscus sugar. Hot drinks will also be available, and pre-orders are recommended.
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Family Festival: The JCC East Bay in Berkeley will host a family-friendly festival on December 14th from 2-4:30 p.m., geared towards children aged 2-8. The celebration will feature STEM and art-based Hanukkah activities, including sparkly crafts, glow-in-the-dark games, and DIY sufganiyot, with tickets at $27.
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Grand Lake Menorah Lighting: A spectacular 15-foot menorah will be lit at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland on December 14th at 4:30 p.m. This free community celebration, hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Oakland, will include a fire performance, hot drinks, matzo ball soup, donuts, latkes, and raffle prizes.
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Jew-ish Dishes at Delfina: From December 14th to 22nd, Delfina in San Francisco will present a special series of “Jew-ish” culinary creations. Diners can anticipate gourmet latkes fried in duck fat, wood-grilled brisket, and unique takes on sufganiyot, with latkes remaining on the menu through New Year’s Eve.
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Oaxanukkah Dinners at Comal: Experience a fusion of Mexican cuisine and Hanukkah traditions at Comal in Berkeley on December 15th and 16th, from 6:30-9 p.m. Chef Matt Gandin will present dishes such as tequila-cured salmon, potato-jalapeño latkes, and braised beef brisket for $117.
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Outdoor Community Candle Lighting: Boothbay Park in Foster City will host a community candle lighting on December 17th from 6-7 p.m. This free event promises doughnuts, dreidels, music, latkes, gelt, and balloons, fostering a warm communal atmosphere.
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Older Adults Luncheon: On December 18th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1414 Walnut St. in Berkeley, older adults are invited to a catered lunch from Saul’s Delicatessen, complete with a comedy show and holiday dessert. Advance registration is required, and the cost is $24.
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A Very Jewish Christmas Concert: For a unique musical experience, attend a concert at Manny’s in San Francisco on December 21st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Jewish Music Collective will perform beloved Christmas songs, all of which were written by Jewish songwriters, for $25.